{"id":1259,"date":"2017-05-05T17:07:06","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T10:07:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/?p=1259"},"modified":"2019-06-17T18:45:57","modified_gmt":"2019-06-17T11:45:57","slug":"how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Spend Two Days in Hanoi &#8211; Custom Itineraries for Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Beware! XO Tours DOES NOT operate in Hanoi. If you book with a tour operator in Hanoi that claims to be XO Tours, you are being defrauded!<\/span>\u00a0But don&#8217;t you worry, we have a list of<a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/top-13-things-to-do-in-vietnam-bucket-list\/\" rel=\"\u201ddofollow&quot;\">\u00a0things to do in Vietnam<\/a>\u00a0and in Hanoi for you to make it up!<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3062 size-full\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/12.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi \" width=\"945\" height=\"756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/12.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/12-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/12-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/>\n<p>Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an intriguing city for many reasons.\u00a0 Though Hanoi is the second largest city in the country after Ho Chi Minh City, it is far less cosmopolitan and traditional Vietnamese culture is much more apparent there.\u00a0 In fact, aside from a recent construction boom in Hanoi, much of the colonial and post-War era infrastructure is still in use. The wear and tear on old buildings and streets are what gives Hanoi its rustic and quaint character, and the relaxed lifestyle of the people there almost feels like you are stepping back in time. That, coupled with Hanoi\u2019s rich history, makes a trip to Hanoi a multi-faceted experience.<\/p>\n<p>Hanoi is also the travel gateway to Northern Vietnam. There are many <a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/best-day-trips-from-hanoi\/\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">day trips from Hanoi<\/a>\u00a0and if you plan on visiting the northern rice fields near Sapa, Halong Bay or Ninh Binh province, it is convenient to travel through Hanoi.\u00a0 Although many travelers simply think of Hanoi as a quick transit city, we urge you to stop in Hanoi for at least two days in order to truly appreciate all the cultural things that this city has to offer.\u00a0 Here are our\u00a0things to do in Hanoi suggestions for what to do and see if you have two days in Hanoi as part of our Custom Itineraries for Vietnam series.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#Our_Hanoi_points_of_interest\" >Our Hanoi points of interest:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#DAY_1\" >DAY 1<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#1_Explore_the_Old_Quarter\" >1. Explore the Old Quarter&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#2_Enjoy_some_Bun_Bo_Nam_Bo\" >2. Enjoy some Bun Bo Nam Bo&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#3_Walk_around_Hoan_Kiem_Lake\" >3. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#4_Sip_on_Egg_Coffee\" >4. Sip\u00a0on (Egg) Coffee&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#5_Eat_at_BBQ_Chicken_Street\" >5. Eat at BBQ Chicken Street&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#6_Explore_Hoan_Kiem_Bia_Hoi\" >6. Explore\u00a0Hoan Kiem Bia Hoi&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#Day_2\" >Day 2<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#1_Visit_the_Ho_Chi_Minh_Mausoleum\" >1. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#2_Visit_the_Hoa_Lo_Prison\" >2. Visit the\u00a0Hoa Lo Prison&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#3_Eat_Lunch_at_Cha_Ca_La_Vong\" >3. Eat Lunch at\u00a0Cha Ca La Vong&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#4_Go_Souvenir_Shopping_at_Dong_Xuan_Market\" >4. Go Souvenir Shopping at Dong Xuan Market&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/how-to-spend-two-days-in-hanoi-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/#5_See_the_Long_Bien_Bridge\" >5. See the\u00a0Long Bien Bridge&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Hanoi_points_of_interest\"><\/span>Our Hanoi points of interest:<span id=\"hanoi-2days-content\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Day 1:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#Oldquarter\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Explore the Old Quarter<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#BBNB\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Enjoy some Bun Bo Nam Bo<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#HoanKiem\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#EC\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Sip\u00a0on (Egg) Coffee<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#BBQ\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Eat at BBQ Chicken Street<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#BH\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Explore\u00a0Hoan Kiem Bia Hoi<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Day 2:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#HCMM\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#HLP\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Visit the\u00a0Hoa Lo Prison<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#CCLV\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Eat Lunch at\u00a0Cha Ca La Vong<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#DXM\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">Go Souvenir Shopping at Dong Xuan Market<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#LBB\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">See the\u00a0Long Bien Bridge<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DAY_1\"><\/span><b>DAY 1<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1289\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1289\" style=\"width: 813px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1289\" title=\"A - The red bridge at Hoan Kiem lake, B - The infamous Egg Coffee; C - Bia Hoi Corner; D - Bun Bo Nam Bo; E - The Old Quarter in Hanoi; F - BBQ Chicken Street\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1.jpg\" alt=\"A - The red bridge at Hoan Kiem lake, B - The infamous Egg Coffee; C - Bia Hoi Corner; D - Bun Bo Nam Bo; E - The Old Quarter in Hanoi; F - BBQ Chicken Street\" width=\"813\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1.jpg 1003w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1-400x268.jpg 400w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/sights-in-hanoi-1-900x604.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>A &#8211; The red bridge at Hoan Kiem lake<\/strong>, <strong>B &#8211; The infamous Egg Coffee<\/strong>; <strong>C &#8211; Bia Hoi Corner on Ta Hien street<\/strong>; <strong>D &#8211; Bun Bo Nam Bo<\/strong>; <strong>E &#8211; The Old Quarter in Hanoi<\/strong>; F &#8211; <strong>BBQ Chicken Street<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Explore_the_Old_Quarter\"><\/span><b>1. Explore the Old Quarter<span id=\"Oldquarter\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3037\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3037\" style=\"width: 490px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3037\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Old-Quarter-Hanoi.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"490\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Old-Quarter-Hanoi.jpg 580w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Old-Quarter-Hanoi-269x300.jpg 269w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3037\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Old Quarter map<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Old Quarter in Hanoi is one of the most popular destinations in Hanoi.\u00a0 It is an old merchant area of the city where the layout and many of the streets have been preserved over decades.\u00a0 This part of Hanoi is what gives Hanoi the charming, old world feel.\u00a0 It is a mish-mash of French colonial and ancient Vietnamese architecture, manic streets with thousands of motorbikes, power lines above the head that resemble giant birds nests, narrow merchant streets with shops selling the most random things, and other unique characteristics that make this area so lovable.<\/p>\n<p>One of the best ways to see as much of it as possible is to simply walk around.\u00a0 In fact, staying in this area gives you an opportunity to experience the Old Quarter fully.\u00a0 One particular remnant of old Vietnam that you should take notice of is the street names.\u00a0 Many of the streets in this part of town are named \u201cHang _____\u201d, \u201chang\u201d meaning something pertaining to selling.\u00a0 Because this area was an important trading centre, the streets were named according to what was sold there.\u00a0 For instance, \u201cHang duong\u201d was sugar street, \u201cHang vai\u201d was fabric street, and so on.\u00a0 Some streets have kept on selling the same thing while others have transformed to meet today\u2019s consumer needs&#8230; of course, they wouldn\u2019t change a street\u2019s name to \u201cMetal household racks street\u201d or \u201cImported toys from China\u201d street, but these streets exist!! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p>Besides Ha Noi, Hoi An ancient town is a place will blow your mind with its beauty. <a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/2017\/03\/16\/how-to-spend-one-day-in-hoi-an-custom-itineraries-for-vietnam\/\" rel=\"\u201ddofollow&quot;\">One-day Custom Itineraries for Hoi An<\/a> will be perfect for you if you&#8217;d like to visit Hoi An but on a tight schedule<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3036\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"858\" height=\"686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px\" \/>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Enjoy_some_Bun_Bo_Nam_Bo\"><\/span><b>2. Enjoy some Bun Bo Nam Bo<span id=\"BBNB\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3041\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBNB.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"835\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBNB.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBNB-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBNB-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px\" \/>\n<p>When it comes time for lunch, a great way to continue your Things to do in Hanoi experience is to eat something that is true blue Hanoian.\u00a0 This dish, Bun Bo Nam Bo, is said to have originated in Hanoi.\u00a0 It consists of perfectly marinated beef in a sweet and salty concoction, round and thin noodles that don\u2019t get soggy, crunchy peanuts and fried onions and a few other things that make this dish absolutely delicious!\u00a0 Now, this dish can be found throughout Vietnam, though we can tell you with fair certainty that it tastes different in the North.\u00a0 A must try!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Walk_around_Hoan_Kiem_Lake\"><\/span><b>3. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake<span id=\"HoanKiem\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3042\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/hoan-kiem-lake-hn.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"650\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/hoan-kiem-lake-hn.jpg 700w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/hoan-kiem-lake-hn-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\n<p>Legend has it that the Golden Turtle God claimed a magic sword from an ancient emperor, an important symbol of his fight against the Chinese Ming Dynasty.\u00a0 This emperor named the lake \u201cHoan Kiem\u201d meaning \u201cLake of the Returned Sword\u201d and a small tower was erected on an island within the lake (Turtle Tower) to commemorate this event.\u00a0 Today, large and rare turtles inhabit the lake, though there seems to be a controversy as to how many specimens there are in the lake. \u00a0One giant turtle, in particular, is said to be the direct descendant of the original turtle that claimed the sword and\u00a0is affectionately called Cu Rua (great-grandfather turtle). \u00a0What&#8217;s more, if we follow the\u00a0current understanding of this giant turtle&#8217;s biological classification, then it is one of 4 remaining specimens of its kind in the world!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3047\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3047\" style=\"width: 818px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3047\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HKL.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"818\" height=\"654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HKL.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HKL-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HKL-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3047\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Many activities in Hoan Kiem Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Around the lake, you\u2019ll have an opportunity to see many vendors, small shops, people walking or running, and kids playing.\u00a0 It will give you a different perspective on life in Hanoi, one that is a stark juxtaposition to the hustle and bustle in the rest of Hoan Kiem district.\u00a0 A walk around this lake is a perfect escape from some of that chaos in Hanoi.\u00a0 While you\u2019re there, make sure to check out the red bridge around some of the small statues and temples around the lake.\u00a0 The red bridge, in particular, makes for a great photo-op. \u00a0 And remember to look out for giant turtles! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Sip_on_Egg_Coffee\"><\/span><b>4. Sip\u00a0on (Egg) Coffee<span id=\"EC\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3048\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eggcoffee.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"661\" height=\"528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eggcoffee.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eggcoffee-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Eggcoffee-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/>\n<p>After making a round of the lake, we recommend that you take a quick break and enjoy one of Vietnam\u2019s most profitable exports: coffee! \u00a0We have mentioned before on our blog that Vietnamese people love their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/2013\/02\/06\/whats-the-buzz-in-vietnam\/\" rel=\"\u201ddofollow&quot;\">unique take on coffee<\/a>, and coffee culture has always been a huge phenomenon here. \u00a0In the north, Hanoians take coffee to another level altogether. \u00a0A particular type of coffee you must try while in Hanoi is Egg Coffee. \u00a0No, &#8216;egg&#8217; is not the codename for milk or sugar&#8230; it&#8217;s actually &#8216;egg&#8217;! \u00a0Egg coffee is a unique blend of chicken egg yolk, coffee, sweetened condensed milk, butter and cheese. \u00a0 Mr. Giang, the creator of the infamous egg coffee, developed it due to the scarcity of milk decades ago. \u00a0The tempered egg yolk acts as a substitute for milk because of its ability to thicken and add creaminess to the concoction. \u00a0Mr.Giang&#8217;s son now runs a small cafe called Cafe Giang in the Old Quarter where they serve authentic Egg Coffee. \u00a0As strange as it may sound, we urge you to give it a try!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Eat_at_BBQ_Chicken_Street\"><\/span><strong>5. Eat at BBQ<\/strong><b> Chicken Street<span id=\"BBQ\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3049\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBQ.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"706\" height=\"565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBQ.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBQ-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/BBQ-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px\" \/>\n<p>People always say that Vietnam has a specific street for everything, and for the most part this is very true!\u00a0 Case in point &#8211; barbecue chicken street!\u00a0 That\u2019s right.\u00a0 This street specializes in one thing and that is barbecued chicken.\u00a0 A great dinner option, you can go there and specify exactly which part of the chicken you want and they\u2019ll grill it up with an amazingly sweet, salty and sticky coating.\u00a0 You can also order the most delicious flattened and grilled bread and some roasted sweet potatoes to round out your meal.\u00a0 A few beers and some great food is the perfect way to start your Hanoi nightlife trip!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Explore_Hoan_Kiem_Bia_Hoi\"><\/span><strong>6. Explore\u00a0<\/strong><b>Hoan Kiem Bia Hoi<span id=\"BH\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3050\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Bia-hoi.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi\" width=\"798\" height=\"638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Bia-hoi.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Bia-hoi-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Bia-hoi-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/>\n<p>The Hanoi street beer scene is infamous!\u00a0 A trip to Hanoi, or Vietnam rather, would be incomplete without spending some time sitting on small plastic stools and drinking the cheapest beer in the world (we\u2019re not joking&#8230; a glass of beer will cost you about $0.15). The beer is quite light, about 3-4% alcohol, and light in colour as well.\u00a0 This beer is made of 50% rice to keep it nice and clear, and best of all it is preservative free.\u00a0 Throughout the night, you will see trucks pulling up to each beer establishment and delivering barrels of beer.\u00a0 Not surprisingly, this beer is usually finished by the end of the night.\u00a0 Otherwise, it has to be disposed of since it doesn\u2019t contain preservatives to help it last past 24 hours.\u00a0 Although these small beer \u2018shops\u2019 can be found throughout the city, the liveliest place to witness this interesting beer culture is at the corner of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien streets, also known as Bia Hoi corner.<\/p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to check the weather of Ha Noi prior to your visit. We have a chart for this in this post <a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/2017\/01\/04\/the-best-time-to-visit-vietnam\/\" rel=\"\u201ddofollow&quot;\">Best time to visit Vietnam<\/a>\u00a0so you know what to prepare for a wonderful Vietnam Trip<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1287\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1287\" style=\"width: 752px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1287 size-full\" title=\"Day 1 Hanoi - Bun BO Nam Bo - Hoan Kiem Lake - Cafe Giang - BBQ Chicken Street - Bia Hoi Corner\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/day-1-in-hanoi1.jpg\" alt=\"Day 1 Hanoi - Bun BO Nam Bo - Hoan Kiem Lake - Cafe Giang - BBQ Chicken Street - Bia Hoi Corner\" width=\"752\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/day-1-in-hanoi1.jpg 752w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/day-1-in-hanoi1-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/day-1-in-hanoi1-150x62.jpg 150w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/day-1-in-hanoi1-400x167.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1287\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Day 1 Hanoi &#8211; Bun BO Nam Bo &#8211; Hoan Kiem Lake &#8211; Cafe Giang &#8211; BBQ Chicken Street &#8211; Bia Hoi Corner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2\"><\/span><b>Day 2<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1263\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1263\" style=\"width: 724px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1263 size-full\" title=\"A - Changing of the guard at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; B - Sunset at Long Bien Bridge; C - Aerial view of Hoa Lo Prison; D - Dong Xuan Market; E - Cha Ca La Vong\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sights-in-hanoi-2.jpg\" alt=\"A - Changing of the guard at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; B - Sunset at Long Bien Bridge; C - Aerial view of Hoa Lo Prison; D - Dong Xuan Market; E - Cha Ca La Vong\" width=\"724\" height=\"611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sights-in-hanoi-2.jpg 724w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sights-in-hanoi-2-300x253.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sights-in-hanoi-2-150x126.jpg 150w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sights-in-hanoi-2-400x337.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1263\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A &#8211; Changing of the guard at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; B &#8211; Sunset at Long Bien Bridge; C &#8211; Aerial view of Hoa Lo Prison; D &#8211; Dong Xuan Market; E &#8211; Cha Ca La Vong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Visit_the_Ho_Chi_Minh_Mausoleum\"><\/span><b><\/b><b>1. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum<span id=\"HCMM\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3051\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3051\" style=\"width: 480px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3051 size-full\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/113036-nhung-thong-tin-huu-ich-cho-chuyen-tham-lang-bac-1.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi \" width=\"480\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/113036-nhung-thong-tin-huu-ich-cho-chuyen-tham-lang-bac-1.jpg 480w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/113036-nhung-thong-tin-huu-ich-cho-chuyen-tham-lang-bac-1-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3051\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Vietnam has a vast and elaborate history, and there are plenty of museums and monuments in Hanoi to learn all about it.\u00a0 With limited time, you wouldn\u2019t be able to see every historical place but one place we recommend visiting is Ho Chi Minh\u2019s mausoleum.\u00a0 The embalmed body of the infamous leader Ho Chi Minh is on display here.\u00a0 If you visit here, you have to abide by the rules, of which the most is to be respectful &#8211; no shorts, no tank tops, no drinking, no smoking, no hands in pockets, and no photography.\u00a0 You will be ushered in by the guards in two straight lines and will only be allowed to see him from the moving line.\u00a0 You cannot stop and see the embalmed body.\u00a0 Though it seems like a tedious procedure to go through for a few seconds of viewing, it is still nonetheless an interesting experience.<\/p>\n<p>If you travel to Ho Chi Minh, the economic city of Vietnam, we have <a href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/2017\/01\/21\/how-to-spend-one-day-in-ho-chi-minh-city-custom-itineraries-in-vietnam\/\" rel=\"\u201ddofollow&quot;\">a guide for you to spend 1 day in Ho Chi Minh City<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Visit_the_Hoa_Lo_Prison\"><\/span><strong>2. Visit the\u00a0<\/strong><b>Hoa Lo Prison<span id=\"HLP\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3052\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3052\" style=\"width: 824px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3052\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi visit the hoa prison\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Nha-tu.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi visit the hoa prison\" width=\"824\" height=\"659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Nha-tu.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Nha-tu-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Nha-tu-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3052\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Hoa Lo Prison is another historical sight worth visiting if you are trying to find\u00a0things to do in Hanoi.\u00a0 This prison was first built during the French occupation in Vietnam and then later used for American prisoners during the Vietnam War.\u00a0 Over the years, it gained the nickname \u201cHanoi Hilton\u201d, named by the American POWs held there.\u00a0 Although there isn\u2019t much to see at this prison now, it held a very relevant role during the war so it offers a unique perspective and feeling in comparison to a museum.\u00a0 An interesting fact is that US Senator John McCain was held at this prison for sometime when he was an American POW during the war.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Eat_Lunch_at_Cha_Ca_La_Vong\"><\/span><strong>3. Eat Lunch at\u00a0<\/strong><b>Cha Ca La Vong<span id=\"CCLV\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3053\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3053\" style=\"width: 945px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3053 size-full\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi eat\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-1.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi eat\" width=\"945\" height=\"756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-1.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-1-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Vietnam-itinerary-1-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3053\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cha Ca La Vong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After a heavy morning full of learning and reflecting, you will be just about ready for lunch.\u00a0 Close by, you will find \u201cCha Ca\u201d street, which is a street named for a famous dish invented there.\u00a0 About a hundred years ago, a restaurant was established here that served up a unique type of fish dish, which featured fish marinated in turmeric and pepper and fried with dill, green onions, and other greens, all served over rice noodles.\u00a0 Seems simple enough but this particular dish is so famous that it was even featured in the New York Times!\u00a0 Many restaurants serve this special dish now, especially on \u201cCha Ca\u201d street, but the original restaurant is still there.\u00a0 Keep in mind that they are well aware of the appeal of eating this dish at the original spot and therefore charge 3-4x as much than the other restaurants on the street.\u00a0 However, there is a certain charm to eating at the original spot if you can look past the occasional mouse or rat crawling around your tables.\u00a0 It is, after all, an incredibly old building which has seen very little in the way of restoration over the years!\u00a0 And if you think you can go there just to take a look and maybe order something small, think again &#8211; there is only one item on the menu and sharing one portion is not allowed! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Go_Souvenir_Shopping_at_Dong_Xuan_Market\"><\/span><b>4. Go Souvenir Shopping at Dong Xuan Market<span id=\"DXM\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3059\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/dx.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi \" width=\"537\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/dx.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/dx-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/dx-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px\" \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dong Xuan Market is the biggest and most central market in Hanoi.\u00a0 For anyone who is unfamiliar with Asian markets, it can be a unique experience.\u00a0 It\u2019s chaotic, hot, sweaty, loud and full of people.\u00a0 This market sells everything under the sun &#8211; anything you need you\u2019ll find it there.\u00a0 Unlike Ben Thanh market in Saigon or other markets throughout Vietnam, Dong Xuan market doesn\u2019t pander as much to tourists so souvenir stalls make up a very small portion of the market.\u00a0 You may find a souvenir to take home there but if you don\u2019t, you\u2019ll still walk away with a unique experience.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have any luck with souvenirs at the market, take a look down Hang Gai or Hang Hom streets. \u00a0For a detailed list of what to buy in Northern Vietnam, check out our previous <a title=\"What to buy in Vietnam from north to south!\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/2013\/11\/27\/what-to-buy-in-vietnam-from-north-to-south\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener \u201ddofollow&quot;\">shopping guide blogpost<\/a>. \u00a0Remember to bargain!<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_See_the_Long_Bien_Bridge\"><\/span><strong>5. See the\u00a0<\/strong><b>Long Bien Bridge<span id=\"LBB\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3057\" title=\"things to do in Hanoi \" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HLB.jpg\" alt=\"things to do in Hanoi \" width=\"685\" height=\"548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HLB.jpg 945w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HLB-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/HLB-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After a short afternoon stroll through the market, we recommend that you take a trip to Long Bien bridge before sunset.\u00a0 Just a short taxi ride away from Hoan Kiem, this bridge connects two parts of Hanoi and goes over the Red River.\u00a0 This bridge has a very interesting history &#8211; it was designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) and built by Dayde &amp; Pille of Paris during the French occupation of Indochina.\u00a0 It was at that point one of the longest bridges in Indochina and an architectural marvel.\u00a0 Many parts of the bridge were destroyed during the Vietnam War and some of that damage can still be seen today.\u00a0 Restoration efforts have been ongoing for many years, but the bridge has remained in use almost the entire time for small vehicles and pedestrians.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more interesting about this bridge is that the surrounding area is one of the poorest areas of Hanoi.\u00a0 Impoverished people live on boats underneath the bridge.\u00a0 Many of these people come from other parts of Northern Vietnam looking for work in this urban capital.\u00a0 The lifestyle is unique and completely different from what you see in the centre of Hanoi or even elsewhere in Vietnam.\u00a0 The best time to visit the bridge is just before sunset and then stay for sunset before heading back.\u00a0 That way, you get to see some of the surroundings in daylight and then get some beautiful pictures of the sunset over the Red River.\u00a0 It is a breathtaking sight in more ways than one, and a perfect way to round out your Hanoi experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1267\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1267\" style=\"width: 818px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1267 size-full\" title=\"Day 2 in Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Hoa Lo Prison - Cha Ca La Vong - Dong Xuan Market - Long Bien Bridge\" src=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Day-2-in-Hanoi.jpg\" alt=\"Day 2 in Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Hoa Lo Prison - Cha Ca La Vong - Dong Xuan Market - Long Bien Bridge\" width=\"818\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Day-2-in-Hanoi.jpg 818w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Day-2-in-Hanoi-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Day-2-in-Hanoi-150x77.jpg 150w, https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Day-2-in-Hanoi-400x205.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1267\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Day 2 in Hanoi &#8211; Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum &#8211; Hoa Lo Prison &#8211; Cha Ca La Vong &#8211; Dong Xuan Market &#8211; Long Bien Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I hope you enjoyed this Vietnam travel guide\u00a0by XO Tours. \u00a0<em>We currently do not offer any tours in Hanoi,<\/em> however, if you are in Ho Chi Minh City and would like to go on fun and unique city tour, please check out our <a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/tours\/ho-chi-minh-city-tours.html\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">&#8220;Sights&#8221; city tour<\/a><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"_ps2id\" href=\"#hanoi-2days-content\" data-ps2id-offset=\"\">[Back to the content]<\/a><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beware! XO Tours DOES NOT operate in Hanoi. If you book with a tour operator in Hanoi that claims to be XO Tours, you are being defrauded!\u00a0But don&#8217;t you worry, we have a list of\u00a0things to do in Vietnam\u00a0and in Hanoi for you to make it up! Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3042,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Things to do in Hanoi if you only have 2 days","_seopress_titles_desc":"Hanoi is the gateway to Northern Vietnam and a must see city during your time in Vietnam. Here is a two day suggested things to do in hanoi itinerary for Hanoi.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[21,225,226,227,228,229,230,231,232,233,333],"class_list":{"0":"post-1259","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vietnam-travel-tips","8":"tag-street-food","9":"tag-hanoi","10":"tag-ho-chi-minh","11":"tag-shopping-in-vietnam","12":"tag-egg-coffee","13":"tag-hanoi-hilton","14":"tag-long-bien-bridge","15":"tag-cha-ca-la-vong","16":"tag-bia-hoi","17":"tag-hoan-kiem","18":"tag-things-to-do-in-hanoi"},"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1259"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4668,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1259\/revisions\/4668"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xotours.vn\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}